Summary
This narrative review examines the potential of agronomic biofortification—the practice of increasing target mineral concentrations in food crops through nutrient management—as a means to combat hidden hunger affecting over 25% of the global population. The authors assess the effectiveness of this approach whilst acknowledging that its feasibility depends on multiple interdependent factors beyond fertiliser access, including agronomic, environmental, and socioeconomic variables. The review considers the programme's capacity to improve human health outcomes and cost-effectiveness, particularly in resource-limited rural settings.
UK applicability
The UK context differs substantially from the primary focus on resource-poor rural settings in low-income countries where agronomic biofortification is positioned as a key intervention. However, the underlying agronomic principles regarding soil mineral availability, crop genotype selection, and interactions between soil properties and nutrient uptake may inform UK sustainable intensification strategies and soil health management.
Key measures
Crop micronutrient concentrations; human mineral dietary intake relative to daily requirements; cost-effectiveness of agronomic biofortification programmes; contextual factors affecting feasibility (crop type, genotype, climate, soils, soil mineral interactions)
Outcomes reported
The review assessed the effectiveness of agronomic biofortification in increasing crop micronutrient concentrations and reducing hidden hunger across diverse agricultural settings. It examined key determinants of success including crop type, genotype, climate, soils, and soil mineral interactions, alongside cost-effectiveness and health impact considerations.
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